Those of you who follow our Pack know that none of us take for granted all that we have to be thankful for. As we prepare for our wonderful Howl A Day party this week we are ever mindful of having a roof over our heads and a substantial pack of friends to share our feast with this year. It bears repeating that we are indeed grateful to all of you who trust us with the care of the pets you are Thankful for this season. I am particularly thankful for Katie who was able to hold it all together while my ankle was holding me down. Her and Rick stepped up in an amazing way and I appreciate all of you for being patient as I am getting back up and around.Katies Rat Pack has grown and watching her with the little terrors as well as the Party Animals makes me realize what a magical place we provide for our guests. The Dogpark at Dogpatch takes constant management of personalities, but here it seems that the dogs are able to let loose of their responsibilities and rip it up. While they may come home carrying a little of our Dogpatch Mud they enjoy pleasant dreams of their next visit with our pack.You may have noticed that recently we have had to decrease our home pick up and drop off and utilize our Northwest Portland "bus stop". As Dogpatch and the Rat Pack have grown we have found that is going to have to be more and more necessary. Less time on the road means that we are able to ensure the quality of care that is provided at Dogpatch. We thank you for understanding that while this change may be a little less convenient for you, it is, as always the quality of the care for your dog that is our primary concern.I could go on about each and every dog that we entertain here and what we love about them as individuals and as members of our pack, but that would fill a book ( which, when I get around to it....) I am going to leave you now with a bittersweet farewell. I have always felt that one of the only things that justifies dogs living such a relatively short time is that it means we get to love and share our lives with another friend. The hardest part of loving so many dogs as we do here at Dogpatch is the inevitable loss. Do not think for a moment that it gets easier. It doesn't . The fact that they are not "our" dogs is a very minor detail. This year there will be two empty spots at our Howl A Day tables. Both Zipper and Baxter joined us for most of our Thanksgiving and or Christmas festivities since they were puppies. Baxter was one of the very first Dogpatch Dogs, and Zipper was not far behind. This last month they went ahead to wait for us. They are in good company where they are running now, but it is a lonesome pack they leave behind. The slideshow is a few of the many happy memories shared with them through the years.....Remember to hold close, for in the blink of an eye, or the wag of a tail time goes by